(a) For the purpose of collecting delinquent contributions, interest, and penalties, the director may enter into an agreement with one or more private persons, companies, associations, or corporations providing debt collection services outside this state with respect to the collection of delinquent contributions, interest, and penalties. That agreement may provide, at the discretion of the director, the rate of payment and the manner in which compensation for services shall be paid. The compensation, fees, and expenses may be added to the amount of the delinquent contributions, interest, and penalties and may be collected by the contractor from the debtor. The director shall provide the necessary information for the contractor to fulfill its obligation under the agreement.
(b) At the discretion of the director, the contractor may, as part of the collection process, refer the debt to legal representatives for litigation in the name of the director.
(c) No action taken by the director, pursuant to this section, shall be construed to be an election to forego other collection procedures in this division.
(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1097, Sec. 1.)